Clerks maintain public records for a county or local government. In some states, Clerks play a role in carrying out public elections, working in connection with Boards of Elections and state election commissions. Clerks can process voter registration applications and verify whether an individual is eligible to vote, and they maintain up-to-date lists of registered voters. Clerks may also provide online information about how to register to vote or where to vote. Citizens may also be able to register to vote at a Clerk’s Office.

Boards of Elections are responsible for carrying out public elections, and one of their duties is to process voter registration applications submitted by citizens. A Board of Elections certifies eligible voters in their particular jurisdiction and maintains an up-to-date list of registered voters. They also verify voter information and may contact registered voters to keep voter list information current. Boards of Elections are usually operated at the county or local level, and may be known as a Board of Registrars.

The primary responsibility of the DMV, or Department of Motor Vehicles, is to grant driver’s licenses and identification cards to state residents, but the DMV also plays an important role in voter registration. Citizens who want to register to vote can do so at the DMV, which will transfer the information, such as full name and address, to the local Board of Elections or Clerk’s Office. This can be an easy way to register to vote while applying for a license or renewing a license. The DMV may also be known as a DOL, or Department of Licensing.